July 16 - Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light. There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle. (James 1:17, Message)
Thank you Lord for not being fake! We know that gifts You give, come without strings attached and are often undeserved. There are no ulterior motives...we know that we can trust you. In Jesus name, Amen!
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Friday, July 12, 2013
July 12 - I'll teach you a thing or two!
I pray my child will respect the wisdom of his/her parents and be willing to be taught by them. May he/she also have the desire to be taught by the teachers You bring into his/her life. (Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian)
The fact of the matter is, most children don't respect the wisdom of their parents (they think they know best). A lot of them are reluctantly taught by their parents (they hear instruction, but don't always listen). That is why this prayer is EXTREMELY important to pray and pray fervently!
The bible says, Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge. (Proverbs 23:12) If only it were that easy for our children. Everybody knows that children think they know everything and their parents don't have a clue. In a way it works to our (the parents) advantage because it helps us to stay two steps ahead of our children. Often the reason we're able to 'discern' the things our children go through is because we see ourselves in our children. BLASTED DNA!!! The trick of the enemy is having them think they can outsmart us; that they're doing something new..."What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 1:9). If only our children really understood the power they have in wise counsel from wise parents.
Heavenly Father, we incline our ear to thee; give us wisdom and understanding that we may impart to the children You've blessed us with. Give our children receptive, open hearts and minds to receive wisdom and instruction from their parents. Teach us Your Ways oh Lord! In Jesus name, Amen!!!
The fact of the matter is, most children don't respect the wisdom of their parents (they think they know best). A lot of them are reluctantly taught by their parents (they hear instruction, but don't always listen). That is why this prayer is EXTREMELY important to pray and pray fervently!
The bible says, Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge. (Proverbs 23:12) If only it were that easy for our children. Everybody knows that children think they know everything and their parents don't have a clue. In a way it works to our (the parents) advantage because it helps us to stay two steps ahead of our children. Often the reason we're able to 'discern' the things our children go through is because we see ourselves in our children. BLASTED DNA!!! The trick of the enemy is having them think they can outsmart us; that they're doing something new..."What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 1:9). If only our children really understood the power they have in wise counsel from wise parents.
Heavenly Father, we incline our ear to thee; give us wisdom and understanding that we may impart to the children You've blessed us with. Give our children receptive, open hearts and minds to receive wisdom and instruction from their parents. Teach us Your Ways oh Lord! In Jesus name, Amen!!!
Thursday, July 11, 2013
July 11 - Get your mind right!
A child's ability and desire to learn cannot be taken for granted. Even while our child is still in the womb we can pray, "Lord, let this child be knit perfectly together with a good, strong, healthy mind and body and be taught by Your forever." (Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian)
I read this devotion a few times before I could agree with it. The part that I was getting hung up on was "..knit perfectly together with a good, strong, healthy mind and body..." because I know that while this may be our expectation and hope; it's not always reality. Having a child with special needs was especially challenging initially because I was disappointed with what I thought would be limitations. On the contrary, our son has blessed us immensely by forcing us to look at how God uses situations to bring out of us what we never knew existed...good and not so good. For example, before I found out my son had a disorder which caused him to have behavior issues; I would be the first person to whisper about a child acting out in public. "That couldn't be my child" or "he/she better be glad I'm not his/her momma"...life and death is in the power of the tongue! God reminded me of the times that I, in ignorance, judged and shook my head. Now I get those looks and instead of being upset; I'm humbled that I/we were chosen to handle the ignorance in a different way...a transformational way.
The other thing that was brought back to my remembrance when I read the devotion was a story about a mother's acceptance of her children's ability. In the story, there was one child that was a straight 'A' student who always excelled in school. The child always had great aspirations and was eventually very successful. The other child received average grades, even though he tried his best and struggled with academics throughout school. This child went on to serve in the mission fields, participated in philanthropic activities and served others in the community. The mother was reflecting on how hard she was on the "average" child because of what she thought he should be...because of her expectations.
Lord, while it's OK for our prayer to be that our children are "knit perfectly together with a good, strong, healthy mind and body"; let us not forget that You look at our hearts. Your word says that "The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly" (Proverbs 20:27). We pray not only for their ability to learn, but most importantly; we pray for their spirit and acceptance of You. Help us to always desire significance in Your kingdom over success in this world. In Jesus name, Amen!
I read this devotion a few times before I could agree with it. The part that I was getting hung up on was "..knit perfectly together with a good, strong, healthy mind and body..." because I know that while this may be our expectation and hope; it's not always reality. Having a child with special needs was especially challenging initially because I was disappointed with what I thought would be limitations. On the contrary, our son has blessed us immensely by forcing us to look at how God uses situations to bring out of us what we never knew existed...good and not so good. For example, before I found out my son had a disorder which caused him to have behavior issues; I would be the first person to whisper about a child acting out in public. "That couldn't be my child" or "he/she better be glad I'm not his/her momma"...life and death is in the power of the tongue! God reminded me of the times that I, in ignorance, judged and shook my head. Now I get those looks and instead of being upset; I'm humbled that I/we were chosen to handle the ignorance in a different way...a transformational way.
The other thing that was brought back to my remembrance when I read the devotion was a story about a mother's acceptance of her children's ability. In the story, there was one child that was a straight 'A' student who always excelled in school. The child always had great aspirations and was eventually very successful. The other child received average grades, even though he tried his best and struggled with academics throughout school. This child went on to serve in the mission fields, participated in philanthropic activities and served others in the community. The mother was reflecting on how hard she was on the "average" child because of what she thought he should be...because of her expectations.
Lord, while it's OK for our prayer to be that our children are "knit perfectly together with a good, strong, healthy mind and body"; let us not forget that You look at our hearts. Your word says that "The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly" (Proverbs 20:27). We pray not only for their ability to learn, but most importantly; we pray for their spirit and acceptance of You. Help us to always desire significance in Your kingdom over success in this world. In Jesus name, Amen!
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
July 9 - The Benefits of Wisdom
My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted. (Proverbs 2:1-12, NLT)
To think that wisdom can "save you from evil people"...now that's real talk! It's something that seems so simple, but so many of us fail to grasp it. Wisdom is the intimate knowledge of something and the Lord grants wisdom, often with discernment. God-given wisdom will definitely save us from evil people. "Only when God's wisdom enters our hearts--i.e., our inward motives, desires and thoughts--will it produce life and power. To accomplish this, the Spirit of truth must work within our souls to make God's commands and ways a delight to us". (Full Life Study Bible, Study Notes)
Heavenly Father, we pray your word over our children. We pray that as You grant common sense, it is received. We pray that as You shield our children; they will embrace integrity. We thank you that as You guard their paths and protect them; their faith will increase. Let us not forsake wisdom, and wisdom will protect us. In Jesus name, Amen!
To think that wisdom can "save you from evil people"...now that's real talk! It's something that seems so simple, but so many of us fail to grasp it. Wisdom is the intimate knowledge of something and the Lord grants wisdom, often with discernment. God-given wisdom will definitely save us from evil people. "Only when God's wisdom enters our hearts--i.e., our inward motives, desires and thoughts--will it produce life and power. To accomplish this, the Spirit of truth must work within our souls to make God's commands and ways a delight to us". (Full Life Study Bible, Study Notes)
Heavenly Father, we pray your word over our children. We pray that as You grant common sense, it is received. We pray that as You shield our children; they will embrace integrity. We thank you that as You guard their paths and protect them; their faith will increase. Let us not forsake wisdom, and wisdom will protect us. In Jesus name, Amen!
Saturday, July 6, 2013
July 6
And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children. (Isaiah 54:13, KJV)
There is a saying that goes "when you know better, you do better!" I believe the scripture in Isaiah is back-up for this saying. When our children are taught God's commandments as what to live by; they do better. When the law of the Lord is what governs their life and they abide by the rules of the Ruler of all; they do better. When our children seek to do the will of God and not the will of the flesh; they do better...they are better!
Our responsibility as parents is to first make sure that we're following the ways of the Lord and we're not just preaching it; we're practicing it. Our failure to teach our children the ways of the Lord, may jeopardize the promise of peace for them.
Thank you Lord for giving us Your Word as a guide for our lives. We have instructions for living which we can teach our children. Your will and Your word are life for us and we receive them with open arms. Continue to teach us Your ways...in Jesus name, Amen!
There is a saying that goes "when you know better, you do better!" I believe the scripture in Isaiah is back-up for this saying. When our children are taught God's commandments as what to live by; they do better. When the law of the Lord is what governs their life and they abide by the rules of the Ruler of all; they do better. When our children seek to do the will of God and not the will of the flesh; they do better...they are better!
Our responsibility as parents is to first make sure that we're following the ways of the Lord and we're not just preaching it; we're practicing it. Our failure to teach our children the ways of the Lord, may jeopardize the promise of peace for them.
Thank you Lord for giving us Your Word as a guide for our lives. We have instructions for living which we can teach our children. Your will and Your word are life for us and we receive them with open arms. Continue to teach us Your ways...in Jesus name, Amen!
Friday, July 5, 2013
July 5
Lord, I pray that my child will have a deep reverence for You and Your ways. May he/she hide Your Word in his/her heart like a treasure, and seek after understanding like silver and gold. (Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian)
I'll be the first to admit that, to some and even in our eyes; my children are/have been 'sheltered'. They were brought and drug to church; we sent them to Christian school for educating; they were/are not allowed to spend the night with just anyone; there is no 'sagging' going on and skirts not passing the "fingertip test" had to be changed.
I believe that these secular and tangible things have helped our children develop a reverence for God. Wearing your pants pulled up does not make you any more of a child of God than wearing them "sagging"; however, there is such a thing as being decent and in order, as well as, excellency when it comes to God. It's easier to have a deep reverence for God when you keep Him first in every aspect of your life.
Psalm 119:10-12 says, "With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes." Let this be the confession of our children. In Jesus name, Amen!
I'll be the first to admit that, to some and even in our eyes; my children are/have been 'sheltered'. They were brought and drug to church; we sent them to Christian school for educating; they were/are not allowed to spend the night with just anyone; there is no 'sagging' going on and skirts not passing the "fingertip test" had to be changed.
I believe that these secular and tangible things have helped our children develop a reverence for God. Wearing your pants pulled up does not make you any more of a child of God than wearing them "sagging"; however, there is such a thing as being decent and in order, as well as, excellency when it comes to God. It's easier to have a deep reverence for God when you keep Him first in every aspect of your life.
Psalm 119:10-12 says, "With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes." Let this be the confession of our children. In Jesus name, Amen!
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
July 3 - Everything that looks good to you...
Help my child to see that what makes a person truly attractive is Your Holy Spirit living in him/her and radiating outward. May he/she come to understand that true attractiveness begins in the heart of one who loves God. (Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian)
When I was much younger and before I knew better; what I wanted in a male companion included someone who was cute, dressed nice, and had good hair (just reading these things have me shaking my head)...praise God for deliverance! As I grew older and wiser, I realized the most important thing for me to find in a guy was that he knew God. I remember making my "list" of what I wanted/needed in a mate. I revised it a few times and finally I thought...all that truly matters is if he's saved!
"A woman's heart should be so hidden in God that a man has to seek Him just to find her." Although I'm not sure who can be credited with this quote; one thing I do know is that it's absolutely accurate. To go a step further, I'll add my own and say; "A man's delight should be in the law of the Lord and a woman must know God's word to discern the Suitor from the Snake!
Heavenly Father, Your word says "...you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb" and I am "fearfully and wonderfully made". As our children meet and mingle; show them that beauty is not in the eye of the beholder, but true beauty is in the "I am" that holds all. Just as we pray that the Holy Spirit is what draws our children to the mate prepared for him/her; we also pray that the Holy Spirit repel any and all impostors that try to corrupt the promise. In Jesus name, Amen!!!
When I was much younger and before I knew better; what I wanted in a male companion included someone who was cute, dressed nice, and had good hair (just reading these things have me shaking my head)...praise God for deliverance! As I grew older and wiser, I realized the most important thing for me to find in a guy was that he knew God. I remember making my "list" of what I wanted/needed in a mate. I revised it a few times and finally I thought...all that truly matters is if he's saved!
"A woman's heart should be so hidden in God that a man has to seek Him just to find her." Although I'm not sure who can be credited with this quote; one thing I do know is that it's absolutely accurate. To go a step further, I'll add my own and say; "A man's delight should be in the law of the Lord and a woman must know God's word to discern the Suitor from the Snake!
Heavenly Father, Your word says "...you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb" and I am "fearfully and wonderfully made". As our children meet and mingle; show them that beauty is not in the eye of the beholder, but true beauty is in the "I am" that holds all. Just as we pray that the Holy Spirit is what draws our children to the mate prepared for him/her; we also pray that the Holy Spirit repel any and all impostors that try to corrupt the promise. In Jesus name, Amen!!!
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